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Question about ziplocs

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soscared

newbite
Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 113

Posted 1 month ago
Wed Oct 21 2009 15:36:25
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I have enormous ziplocs (XXL) and throw the dryered laundry directly into them by the dryer. Then, when I am getting dressed, I open them, and take out the clothes I need for that day. Am I doing that correctly? Should I be individually packing clothes for the day? Can they get in while i am getting clothes out?

I am sorry if this sounds insane, and I don't want to infuse them with a supernatural power, but I also don't want to be doing something that is ill-advised.

Also - can I use clear contractor bags for clothes, if they are tightly tied? Those ziplocs are hella expensive.

Finally - should I be changing clothes between rooms? I just took a nap with my baby after feeding her in the kitchen. She napped in her "outside" clothes. I swear I got bitten in bed as soon as we got in, which makes me feel like she brought something in from one of the other infested rooms.

Thank you.
petong

newbite
Joined: Oct '09
Posts: 16

Posted 1 month ago
Wed Oct 21 2009 18:13:42
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I've been following pretty much the same bagging procedure—with the added defense of putting those ziploc bags into clear Sterilite bins—and have the same question. I'm new at this—hopefully none of it will ever be especially old-hat, you know?—but if I'm understanding everything I've been reading, the bugs don't like to hang out ON you, so the danger is if you're wearing something that's been sitting out, exposed, or if you're wearing something that they could have crawled into while you're sleeping. Then the little ones could potentially fall into the open bags as you're fishing out something to wear. Am I right?
cilecto

senior member
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 514

Posted 1 month ago
Wed Oct 21 2009 22:13:37
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BB fighting is not an exact science. It's a learning experience. It's all about what works for you.

I started with Ziploc XXL and now avoid them in favor of L and XL. This is because XXLs tempt you to overload and then drag, also the bags sometimes pop at the pleats. With the smaller bags, you have less stress on the bottom and less rummaging to get to your stuff. You could, of course, dump your fresh laundry in the XXL and then parcel out to smaller bags, perhaps to create "kits" to wear on individual days. Also note that ziplocs wear out over time. They break at the pleats, get nicked and their seals separate from the bag.

Ziplocs are nice in that you can see what's in them, also open and close with minimal fuss. Also, if you have a raging infestation, it's easier to inspect the rim of the ziploc than the gnarly and wrinkled opening of a contractor bag.

Contractor bags are more economical, especially if you plan on storing items in them only once (tear open to remove contents) or long-term without opening. Do be sure to seal them carefully (i.e., knot, not twist-tie) and inspect the outside and opening when removing contents.

I also use smaller ziplocs for little items (i.e. phone) when traveling. For items that I want to protect or isolate, I use non-zip poly bags and/or produce bags from the market, knotted shut, placed in an outer bag to protect from tears.

Other containers I like are 5 gallon paint buckets, sold in home stores. About $3 each and seal air/water-tight, though they do offer nooks and crannies on their exterior where BB could possibly hide. Also pint and quart poly deli (soup) containers.

We're all learning this as we go along. Best of luck figuring what works for you.
soscared

newbite
Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 113

Posted 1 month ago
Wed Oct 21 2009 22:19:40
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Thank you, cilecto, that was very helpful.